Shimanek Covered Bridge - Linn County, Oregon

One of nine covered bridges along the Covered Bridge Tour Route in Linn County, Oregon, the Shimanek Covered Bridge really stands out among the crowd. Spanning 225 feet across over Thomas Creek on Richardson Gap Road near Scio, it is the only covered bridge in Linn County that is painted red instead of white. This covered Howe truss designed bridge was built in 1966 features portal design and louvered windows which are features similar to the former bridge at this location, which was built in 1927.

The current Shimanek Covered Bridge is the fifth covered bridge at this location over Thomas Creek. This is mostly due to the power of damaging winds and flooding. The first bridge built at this location is believed to have been constructed as early as 1861, while the first documented covered bridge was built in 1891 for a cost of $1,150. In 1904, Linn County rebuilt the bridge, only to have it washed out in 1921. The replacement bridge lasted until 1927, when high water damaged the piers and the span was replaced.

Trees were blown against the fourth covered bridge at this site during the infamous Columbus Day Storm of October 12, 1962. The resulting damage forced the county to restrict the covered bridge to a 2 ton load limit with single lane traffic. Likely because the damages where too much to repair the Shimanek Bridge sufficiently, the bridge was destroyed soon after, and in 1966, the current Shimanek Bridge was opened. Additional repairs to the bridge deck using glue-laminated timber were made after flooding in 1996, and restoration work took place along the bridge in 2022.

It has been rumored that the 1891 bridge had a welcomed accommodation of a two-hole toilet built into the foundation, an accommodation that is not found at the current covered bridge. That might have been interesting to see. Unique features aside, the Shimanek Covered Bridge is worth visiting along a covered bridge tour in the Willamette Valley.

How to Get There:

Sources and Links:
Bridgehunter.com - Shimanek Covered Bridge 37-22-03
Covered-Bridge.org - Shimanek Bridge
Albany Democrat-Herald - Restoring the Shimanek covered bridge to its former glory (April 19, 2022)
DayTrails - Shimanek Covered Bridge, Scio, Oregon
Pacific Northwest Photoblog - Shimanek Covered Bridge (Thomas Creek)
Linn County, Oregon - Covered Bridge Tour Route

Comments

Former US Route 50 and the Pioneer Route Lincoln Highway on Johnson's Pass Road

Johnson's Pass Road is one of the oldest highway corridors in California. Johnson's Pass was part of the Lake Tahoe Wagon Road as it was completed during 1856 over the Sierra Nevada. The pass would later be incorporated into the Pioneer Branch of the Lincoln Highway in 1913 and US Route 50 in 1926. Johnson's Pass Road would be bypassed by a new alignment of US Route 50 over Echo Summit in 1938. A replacement of the Meyers Grade east of Johnson's Pass would be opened to traffic in 1947. Johnson's Pass Road remains accessible to traffic and is still signed by the Lincoln Highway Association. Pictured as the blog cover is the view from the top of Johnson's Pass Road overlooking modern US Route 50 and Lake Tahoe. Part 1; the history of Johnson's Pass Much of the history of what become the Lake Tahoe Wagon Road is discussed in the September 1950 California Highways & Public Works during its Centennial Edition. The or...

Former US Route 50 and the South Lincoln Highway from Folsom east to Placerville

The corridor of Folsom of Sacramento County east to Placerville of El Dorado County has been a long established corridor of overland travel dating back to the California Gold Rush. The Folsom-Placerville corridor was once part of the path of the Lake Tahoe Wagon Road which became the first California State Highway and later the South Lincoln Highway. In time the South Lincoln Highway's surface alignment was inherited by US Route 50. The Folsom-Placerville corridor also includes the communities of; Clarksville, Shingle Springs and El Dorado. Part 1; the history of the Lake Tahoe Wagon Road, South Lincoln Highway and US Route 50 through Folsom-Placerville Folsom is located on the American River/Lake Natoma of eastern Sacramento County. That lands now occupied by the City of Folsom were part of Rancho Rio de los Americanos prior to the finding of gold at Sutter's Mill during 1848. During the California Gold Rush the lands of Rancho Rio de los Americanos were p...

Old NC 10 - The Central Highway: Old Fort to Black Mountain through the Royal Gorge

A unique way of tracing the remnants of the Central Highway is through the mountainous terrain of Eastern Buncombe and Western McDowell Counties. From the east on US 70, you reach the base of Blue Ridge Mountains at the town of Old Fort. Old Fort is a tiny rail town that the old Central Highway and now US 70 goes through. The Central Highway can be followed via a right onto Mill Creek Road from US 70. Follow the highway as it takes you closer to the mountains. When Mill Creek Road bears right to head towards Andrews Geyser stay straight until the road ends at a gate. The nearby Piney Grove Church can be used for parking. At this point, the old Central Highway began a 3.5 mile climb of the mountain to Swannanoa Gap. NC 10 and later US 70 travelers followed this road for over 30 years until a new and modern four lane US 70 was built to the south. This same four lane road would eventually become Interstate 40. The Centra...

Gribblenation

Search This Blog